Output apparatus and output method

ABSTRACT

An output apparatus which produces the print output by saving in a first memory print data input via a two-way interface, and converting the print data into the print out information, comprising a second memory different from the first memory for saving the print data with a print ID number added which is input via the interface, a retrieving unit for retrieving corresponding print data of the second memory based on a print ID number input from the outside, and an output unit for outputting the retrieved print data converted into the print out information.

This Application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/002,372, filedJan. 2, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,278,527 which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 08/363,960, filed Dec. 27, 1994 now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an output apparatus such as a printerwhich is connected via a two-way interface to an information equipmentand an output method for use in said apparatus, and more particularly toan output apparatus for use in a field referred to as a multimedia, andan output method for use in said apparatus.

2. Related Background Art

Conventionally, in the recording apparatuses typically called a printer,by receiving a video signal or recording signal, a recording unit withina recording apparatus forms or records the image information on therecording medium, based on the recording signal or video signal.

For example, a video printer can record on the recording medium in sucha way as to get one frame of moving picture or still picture displayedon the display or television screen as a video signal into a printermain unit and converting the video signal into a recording signal. Also,an output printer such as a computer or an electronic calculator canrecord on the recording medium in such a way as to get the informationfrom the computer or electronic calculator as a recording signal into aprinter main unit.

However, the conventional recording apparatuses as above mentioned,aiming to output the image information created by themselves orprecreated image information directly and accurately, had a problem thatthe linkage or combination of recording signal and audio signal or videosignal might be delayed under the so-called multimedia environment whereall the information is integrated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the light of the above-mentioned problem, it is an object of thepresent invention to provide an output apparatus of recording signal andan output method in said apparatus, which is capable of implementing thelinkage or combination of the recording signal and the audio signal orvideo signal by allowing the recording signal and the audio signal orvideo signal to be dealt with independently without confusion even ifdata is provided in a media having the recording signal and the audiosignal or video signal mixed.

To accomplish the above object, there is provided an output apparatusaccording to the invention which saves in first memory means print datawhich is input via a two-way interface, and converts said print datainto the print out information to produce the print output, comprisingsecond memory means which is different from said first memory means formemorizing said print data which is input via said interface, with aprint ID number added, retrieving means for retrieving correspondingprint data of said second memory means, based on a print ID number whichis input from the outside, and output means for outputting saidretrieved print data which is converted into the print out information.

To accomplish the above object, there is provided an output method ofthe output apparatus according to the invention which saves in firstmemory means print data which is input via a two-way interface, andconverts said print data into the print out information to produce theprint output, including inputting said print data with a print ID numberadded via said interface, memorizing said print data in second memorymeans which is different from said first memory means, retrievingcorresponding print data of said second memory means, based on a printID number which is input from the outside, and outputting said retrievedprint data which is converted into the print out information.

Further, the present invention has preferably said print data which issupplied from an audio media such as a compact disk or a video mediasuch as a laser disk, or a computer associated media or a digitalinformation media such as a CD-ROM and a CD-I.

Further, the present invention has preferably said print data which iscompressed and saved with a print ID number added at a leader section ofsaid each media in a common recording format and a common compressedformat, with an area distinguishing/recognizing signal, which isdifferent from other information signals, inserted at least before andafter a print data area.

Further, the invention comprises preferably said second memory meanswhich saves said compressed and input print data which is expanded usingmeans for expanding said compressed print data, wherein said print datais retrieved from said memory unit B, based on a print ID number whichis input, by said retrieving means, and converted into the print outinformation to obtain the print output.

Further, the invention comprises preferably said second memory meanswhich saves said input print data in compressed state, wherein saidprint data of said second memory means is retrieved by said retrievingmeans, based on a print ID number which is input by means for inputtingsaid print ID number, and said print data is expanded using means forexpanding compressed print data and converted into the print outinformation to obtain the print output.

Further, the invention has preferably the print data of said secondmemory means which is managed in terms of said print ID number.

Further, the invention has preferably the print data of said secondmemory means which is held until a designated instruction is entered.

In the invention, with the above configuration, the recording signal andthe audio signal or video signal can be independently dealt with withoutconfusion, even if data is provided in a media having the recordingsignal and the audio signal or video signal mixed. Therefore, thelinkage or combination of the recording signal and the audio signal orvideo signal can be implemented.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the constitution of a firstoutput apparatus (laser beam printer) to which the invention isapplicable.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the constitution of a second outputapparatus (ink jet printer) to which the invention is applicable.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control systemof the second output apparatus as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer controlsystem according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a typical operation procedureof the printer control system according to the embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of a typical operation procedureof another printer control system according to another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is comprised of FIGS. 7A and 7B showing a flowchart illustratinga processing procedure in a system configuration according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is comprised of FIGS. 8A and 8B showing a flowchart illustratinga processing procedure in another system configuration according toanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is comprised of FIGS. 9A and 9B showing a flowchart illustratinga processing procedure in a further system configuration according toanother embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be describedbelow with reference to the drawings.

First, the constitution of a laser beam printer and an ink jet printersuitable for applying the invention will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 3. It should be noted that the printer to apply the inventionis not limited to the laser beam printer and the ink jet printer, butmay be printers of other printing system.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the constitution of a firstoutput apparatus to which the invention is applicable, for example, in acase of a laser beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 1, 1500 is an LBP for forming the image on a recording paperwhich is a recording medium in such a way as to input and memorize theprint information (character code) or the form information or macroinstruction supplied from a host computer or video recorder connectedexternally, and create corresponding character pattern or form patternin accordance with such information. 1501 is an operation panel havingthe switches for operation and the LED displays arranged thereon, and1000 is a printer control unit for controlling the whole LBP main unit1500 and analyzing the character information supplied from the hostcomputer. This printer control unit 1000 converts the characterinformation into a video signal of corresponding character pattern whichis output to a laser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit fordriving a semiconductor laser 1503, which switches on or off a laserbeam 1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance withthe input video signal.

The laser beam 1504 scans over an electrostatic drum 1506 while beingdeflected by a rotational polygon mirror 1505 to the left and right. Asa result, an electrostatic latent image of character pattern is formedon the electrostatic drum 1506. This latent image is transferred ontothe recording paper after being developed by a developing unit 1507disposed on the periphery of the electrostatic drum 1506. The recordingpaper used herein is a cut sheet, wherein cut sheet recording papers arecontained within a paper cassette 1508 attached on the LBP 1500, onerecording paper being brought into the apparatus by means of a papersupply roller 1509, and paper feed rollers 1510, 1511, and supplied tothe electrostatic drum 1506. Also, the LBP main unit 1500 is providedwith at least one or more card slots, not shown, allowing for theconnection of an option font card which is optionally provided inaddition to a contained font, and a control card (emulation card)involving a different printer language system.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance and constitution ofa second output apparatus to which the present invention is applicable,for example, in a case of an ink jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In FIG. 2, a carriage HC engaging a helical groove 5004 of a lead screw5005 rotating via the driving force transmission gears 5011, 5009, alongwith the forward or backward rotation of a drive motor 5013, has a pin(not shown), and is moved reciprocally in the directions of the arrow a,b. This carriage HC has an ink jet cartridge IJC mounted thereon. 5002is a paper presser plate for pressing the paper against a platen 5000along the carriage moving direction. 5007, 5008 are photo-couplers forconfirming the existence of a carriage lever 5006 in this region tofunction as home position sensing means in switching the rotationdirection of a motor 5013. 5016 is a member for supporting a cap member5022 for capping the entire face of a recording head, and 5015 issuction means for sucking the inside of this cap to make a suctionrecovery of the recording head via a cap inside opening 5023. 5017 is acleaning blade which is movable back and forth by a member 5019. 5018 isa main body support plate for supporting 5017, 5019 as above cited. 5012is a lever for starting the suction of suction recovery, this leverbeing moved with the movement of a cam 5020 engaged with the carriage sothat the driving force from the drive motor is controlled for movementby well-known transmission means such as clutch switching means.

These capping, cleaning and suction recovery are configured to performtheir desired processings at corresponding locations under the action ofthe lead screw 5005, when the carriage comes to an area on the homeposition side, but may be configured to perform their desired operationsat known timings.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration ofthe second output apparatus as shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 3, 1700 is a two-way interface for the input of recording signalor recording information, 1701 is an MPU, 1702 is a ROM for storing thecontrol program which the MPU 1701 executes or the host printinformation, and 1703 is a DRAM (dynamic RAM) for storing a variety ofkinds of data (the recording signal or recording data to be supplied tothe head). 1704 is a gate array for controlling the output data suppliedto the recording head 1708, as well as controlling the transfer of databetween the two-way interface 1700, the MPU 1701 and the DRAM 1703. 1710is a carrier motor for conveying the recording head 1708, 1709 is apaper feed motor for feeding the recording paper, 1705 is a head driverfor driving the recording head, 1706 is a motor driver for driving thepaper feed motor 1709, and 1707 is a motor driver for driving thecarrier motor 1710.

In the recording apparatus as above constituted, if the inputinformation is passed via the two-way interface 1700 from the hostcomputer 100 or video recorder (not shown), the input information isconverted into the print out information between the gate array 1704 andthe MPU 1701. And while the motor drivers 1706, 1707 are driven, therecording head is driven in accordance with the output information sentto the head driver 1705 for the printing.

Note that the MPU 1701 can perform the communication processing with thehost computer 100 via the two-way interface 1700, as will be describedlater, wherein the memory information or resource data regarding theDRAM 1703 or the host print information within the ROM 1702 can beinformed to the host computer, as will be described later. Also, the MPU1701, when connected via the two-way interface 1700 to the videorecorder (not shown), can perform the image processing of imageinformation which is entered into the DRAM 1703.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a printer controlsystem of the output apparatus in an example of the invention. Herein, alaser beam printer (FIG. 1) is exemplified.

In FIG. 4, 1500 is a printer main unit. The recording information fromthe host computer 11 is connected via the two-way interface 12 to aninput unit 34 of the printer 1500, and the recording information from anAV (audio visual) device 21 is connected via a one-way interface 22 tothe input unit 34 of the printer 1500. 32 is a printer CPU(microprocessor) for controlling globally the access to a variety oftypes of devices connecting via a system bus 31, based on the controlprogram stored in a program ROM of a ROM 14 in a group 15, the controlprogram stored in a program ROM of a ROM 24 in a group 25, or thecontrol program stored in an external memory 38, so that the imagesignal as the output information may be output to a printer unit(printer engine) connected via a printer engine interface 35.

The group 15 is a conventional control unit for controlling the printoutput, the program ROM of ROM 14 storing the control program of the CPU32 as shown in a flowchart (b) of FIG. 5. A font ROM 33 stores the fontinformation (dot font or outline font) for use in creating the outputinformation (bit map data), and a data ROM of ROM 14 stores theinformation useful on the host computer, when the printer has noexternal memory 38 such as a hard disk.

The group 25 is a control unit for controlling the print output in theexample of the invention, the program ROM of ROM 24 storing the controlprogram of CPU 32 as shown in a flowchart (a) of FIG. 5. The font ROM 33stores the font information (dot font or outline font) for use increating the output information, and a data ROM of ROM 24 stores theinformation useful on the host computer, when the printer has noexternal memory 38 such as a hard disk.

The CPU 32 can perform the signal processing with the host computer 11via the input unit 34, wherein the information inside the printer can beinformed to the host computer 11. Note that a RAM-A13 and a RAM-B23 areusable for a print data memory area, an output information (bit mapdata) development area, an environmental data storing area, and an NVRAM(nonvolatile RAM). Further, the RAM-B23 is provided with an outputinformation holding area. The external memory 38 such as a hard disk oran IC memory is controlled for access by a memory controller (MC) 36.The external memory 38 may be optionally connected to store the fontdata, the emulation program, and the form data. Also, 1501 is anoperation panel having the switches for operation and the LED (lightemitting diode) indicators arranged thereon.

It will be appreciated that the number of external memories as abovementioned is not limited to only one, as above described, but may be atleast one or more, wherein an option font card provided in addition to acontained font or a plurality of external memories storing the programsfor interpreting the printer control languages of different printerlanguage systems may be connected. Further, an NVRAM, not shown, may beprovided to store the printer mode setting information which is inputfrom the operation panel 1501.

In the printer control system as above constituted, the flow of atypical processing operation in the example of the invention will bedescribed with reference to a flowchart of FIG. 5. The print data(composed of the character code or the control code) input from the hostcomputer 11 via the two-way interface 12 into the input unit 34 of theprinter 1500 is checked by the CPU 32 to determine whether or not thetop data thereof is a data switch signal (S1). If it is not the dataswitch signal, the print data is passed to the flow (b) which isidentical to the flow of the conventional print output control (S9), andsaved in a print data memory area of RAM-A13 (S10). Then, the print outinformation is generated using the print information (S11), and printed(S12). If it is the data switch signal, the print data is passed to theflow (a) which is the print output flow in the example of the invention.

The print data following the data switch signal is compressed print data(S2). The compressed print data is expanded and stretched (S3), andsaved in a RAM-B23 which is managed for each print data ID number (S4).A print data ID number is input from the host computer 11 or theoperation unit 1501 (S5), and print data corresponding to its number isretrieved from the print data saved in the RAM-B23 by the CPU 32 (S6,S7).

The retrieved print data is converted into the print out information(bit map data) in accordance with the control flow as previouslydescribed (S8), and sent to the printing unit 37 to obtain the printoutput (S12).

Also, the print data from the AV device 21 via the two-way interface 22into the input unit 34 of the printer 1500 is necessarily passed to theflow (a) which is a print output flow in the example of the invention,without the CPU 32 checking to see whether or not the top data is a dataswitch signal. Then, the compressed print data is expanded andstretched, and saved in a RAM-B23 which is managed for each print dataID number. A print data ID number is input from the operation unit 1501,and print data corresponding to its number is retrieved from the printdata saved in the RAM-B23 by the CPU 32. The retrieved print data isconverted into the print out information in accordance with the controlflow as previously described, and sent to the printing unit 37 to obtainthe print output. Here, print data saved in the RAM-B23 is held unlessnew data is input or a delete instruction is input intentionally.

FIG. 6 shows a typical flowchart in another example of the invention. Adifferent point from FIG. 5 is that compressed print data which is inputfrom the input unit 34 (S22) is saved in a RAM-B23 managed for eachprint data ID number in compressed state (S23). A print data ID numberis input from the host computer 11 or the operation unit 1501 (S24), andprint data corresponding to its number is retrieved from the print datasaved in the RAM-B23 by the CPU 32 (S25, S26).

The retrieved print data is expanded and stretched (S27), converted intothe print out information in accordance with the control flow aspreviously described (S28), and sent to the printing unit 37 to obtainthe print output (S32). Here, print data saved in the RAM-B23 is heldunless new data is input or a delete instruction is input intentionally.

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a detailed processing procedure in the example ofthe invention, wherein the a part shows schematically the informationstructure for a compact disk. Print data is compressed and saved with anID number added in the leader section of audio data. The b part, the cpart and the d part show schematically the flows of a compact diskplayer (AV device 21), a printer 1500 according to the invention, and ahost computer 11, respectively.

First, a compact disk a is set on a compact disk player b (AV device21). Upon starting the compact disk player b, if it is confirmed thatthe compact disk a has been newly set (S41), compressed print data inthe leader section is transferred to the printer c (printer 1500) (S43).After the end of transfer (S44), audio data is read from the compactdisk a which has been set (S45), converted into analog signal (S46), andoutput as audio sound through a speaker (S47). Herein, when there is nocompressed print data in the leader section, audio data is immediatelyread, converted into analog signal and output as audio sound through thespeaker.

Also, if the compact disk a has been already set (S41), a selection ofwhether to transfer newly print data to the printer c (printer 1500) canbe made (S42). A command for this selection can be entered from theoperation panel of the compact disk player b (AV device 21).

The printer c (printer 1500) determines whether or not the input printdata is sent from the compact disk player b or from the host computer d(S51). After it is determined that the print data is sent from thecompact disk player b, the input compressed print data is expanded andstretched (S52, S53), and saved in the memory unit (RAM-B23) (S54).Herein, the listener listening to a music (audio data) of this compactdisk a, who wants to obtain the information concerning the music, forexample, a profile of the musician or a sheet of music, must input aprespecified ID number of print data from the operation panel of theprinter main unit c (printer 1500) (S56). The printer main unitretrieves print data from the print data group within the memory unit,based on the input ID number (S57, S58), converts this retrieved printdata into the print out information (bit map data) (S59), and outputsthe print (S63). Thereby, the listener can obtain print informationwhich is different from audio information to which the listener islistening with an audio equipment.

On the other hand, after it is determined that the print data is sentfrom the computer 11, the input print data is saved in the memory unit(RAM-A13) (S60, S61), converted into the print out information (S62),and output (S63).

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a detailed processing procedure in another exampleof the invention, wherein the a part shows schematically the informationstructure of a laser disk. Print data is compressed and saved with an IDnumber added in the leader section of video (image)/audio data. The bpart, the c part and the d part show schematically the flows of a laserdisk player, a printer according to the invention, and a computer,respectively.

First, a laser disk a is set on a laser disk player b (AV device 21).Upon starting the laser disk player b, if it is confirmed that the laserdisk a has been newly set (S71), compressed print data in the leadersection is transferred to the printer c (printer 1500) (S73). After theend of transfer (S74), video/audio data is read (S75), converted intovideo signal (S76), and output as video/audio through a television(S77). Herein, when there is no compressed print data in the leadersection, video/audio data is immediately read, converted into videosignal and output as video/audio through the television. Also, if thecompact disk a has been already set, a selection of whether to transfernewly print data to the printer c can be made (S72). A command for thisselection can be entered from the operation panel of the laser diskplayer b (AV device 21).

The printer c determines whether or not the input print data is sentfrom the laser disk player b or from the host computer d (S81). After itis determined that the print data is sent from the laser disk player b,the compressed print data is saved in the memory unit (RAM-B23) (S82,S83). Herein, the viewer seeing a video of this laser disk, who wants toobtain the information concerning this video, for example, a profile ofthe actor or actress or film studio information or a scenario, mustinput a prespecified ID number of print data from the operation panel ofthe printer main unit c (S84). In the printer main unit c, print data isretrieved from the print data group within the memory unit, based on theinput ID number (S85, S86), expanded and stretched (S87), converted intoprint out information (bit map data) (S88), and output (S93). Thereby,the viewer can obtain print information which is different from videoinformation which the viewer is seeing on the television.

On the other hand, after it is determined that the print data is datafrom the computer d, the input print data is saved in the memory unit(RAM-A13) (S90, S91), converted into the print out information (S92),and output (S93).

FIGS. 9A and 9B show a processing procedure in a third example of theinvention, wherein the part shows schematically the informationstructure of a CD-ROM. Print data is compressed and stored with an IDnumber added in the leader section of video (image)/audio data. The bpart, the c part and the d part show schematically the flows of a CD-ROMdrive unit, a printer according to the invention, and a host computerconnected to the CD-ROM drive unit, respectively.

First, a CD-ROM a is set on a CD-ROM drive unit b (AV device 21). Uponstarting the CD-ROM drive unit, if it is confirmed that the printer isconnected to the host computer d and the power of printer is on (S101),compressed print data in the leader section is transferred via the hostcomputer d to the printer c. After the end of transfer, video/audio datais read, and transferred to the computer d (S103, S130, S131). Herein,when there is no compressed print data in the leader section,video/audio data is immediately read, and transferred to the hostcomputer d.

The printer c determines by itself whether or not the input print datais sent from the CD-ROM drive unit b via the host computer or from thehost computer d (S111). After it is determined that the print data issent from the CD-ROM drive unit b, the compressed print data is saved inthe memory unit (RAM-B23) (S112, S113). Herein, the person playing agame, for example, by controlling or processing the video/audio data onthe host computer d, who wants to obtain the information concerning thisgame, for example, a manual of the game, must input a prespecified IDnumber of print data from the operation panel of the printer main unit cor the host computer d (S105 to S109, S114). Or an ID number of printdata may be interposed intentionally in the video/audio data from theCD-ROM a to input the ID number via the host computer into the printermain unit c. In the printer main unit, print data is retrieved from theprint data group within the memory unit based on the input ID number(S115, S116), expanded and stretched (S117), converted into print outinformation (bit map data) (S118), and output (S122). The operatorworking on the host computer can thereby obtain print information whichis different from image information appearing on the screen of hostcomputer.

(Others)

Note that the media for supplying the print data is not limitative tothe compact disk, the laser disk, and the CD-ROM, as above cited, as faras the present invention can be carried out. The connecting relationbetween the device for driving this media and the printer or hostcomputer is not limited to those of the above-mentioned examples, as faras the present invention can be carried out, but may be in a form inwhich all components are integrated.

As described above, with the above examples, it is possible to providean output apparatus of recording signal and an output method in saidapparatus, which is capable of implementing the linkage or combinationof the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal in such away that the recording signal and the audio signal or video signal canbe dealt with independently without confusion even if data is providedin a media where the recording signal and audio signal or video signalare mixed.

What is claimed is:
 1. A printer comprising: a first control unitadapted to store print data received from a first apparatus in a firstmemory and to output the stored print data from the first memory to aprint engine; and a second control unit adapted to store print datareceived from a second apparatus in a second memory and, in response toreceipt of a print instruction, to search the second memory and for acertain piece of the print data, and to output the searched piece printdata to the print engine, wherein said first and second control unitsare such as to be able to access the first and second memories,respectively, independently of each other.
 2. A printer according toclaim 1, wherein the print data stored in the second memory is retainedthere until new print data is received or until a forcible deleteinstruction is received.
 3. A printer according to claim 1, furthercomprising discrimination means for discriminating whether the data isreceived from a first apparatus or a second apparatus, wherein saidfirst means executes printing if said discrimination means discriminatesthat the data is received from the first apparatus, and said secondmeans executes printing if said discrimination means discriminates thatthe data is received from the second apparatus.
 4. A printer accordingto claim 3, wherein the first apparatus includes a computer and thesecond apparatus includes a data output drive.
 5. A printer according toclaim 1, wherein the print instruction is includes in video/audio dataand input to said printer during a reproduction process of thevideo/audio data.
 6. A printer according to claim 5, wherein thevideo/audio data and print data are output with a same data outputdrive.
 7. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said second meansexecutes printing if a first piece of the received data is a data switchsignal.
 8. A printer according to claim 1, wherein the data stored inthe memory corresponds to an ID and the print instruction includes theID.
 9. A printer according to claim 1, wherein said second control unitreceives data from the second apparatus via a memory medium, wherein thememory medium stores: video/audio data for an output process of avideo/audio signal; and print data for a print process of an imagerelated to the output process of the video/audio signal, and whereinsaid memory medium stores the video/audio data and the print datadistinguishably from each other.
 10. A method of operating a printercomprising: an executing step, of executing printing based on receiveddata; a controlling step, of controlling a memory to store received dataand for executing printing, in response to a print instruction beinginput, based on the data stored in the memory; and a discriminatingstep, of discriminating whether the data is received from a firstapparatus or a second apparatus, wherein said executing step executesprinting if it is discriminated in said discriminating step that thedata is received from the first apparatus, and said controlling stepexecutes printing if it is discriminated in said discriminating stepthat the data is received from the second apparatus.
 11. A methodaccording to claim 10, wherein the data is received via a bidirectionalinterface.
 12. A method according to claim 10, wherein the firstapparatus includes a computer and the second apparatus includes a dataoutput drive.
 13. A method according to claim 10, wherein the printinstruction is included in video/audio data and input to said printerduring a reproduction process of the video/audio data.
 14. A methodaccording to claim 13, wherein the video/audio data and print data areoutput with a same data output drive.
 15. A method according to claim10, wherein said controlling step execute printing if a first piece ofthe received data is a data switch signal.
 16. A method according toclaim 10, wherein the data stored in the memory corresponds to an ID andthe print instruction includes the ID.
 17. A computer readable mediumhaving recorded thereon codes for implementing a computer-implementablemethod of operating a printer comprising: an executing step, ofexecuting printing based on received data; a controlling step, ofcontrolling a memory to store received data and for executing printing,in response to a print instruction being input, based on the data storedin the memory; and a discriminating step, of discriminating whether thedata is received from a first apparatus or a second apparatus, whereinsaid executing step executes printing if it is discriminated in saiddiscriminating step that the data is received from the first apparatus,and said controlling step executes printing if it is discriminated insaid discriminating step that the data is received from the secondapparatus.
 18. A medium according to claim 17, wherein the data isreceived via a bidirectional interface.
 19. A medium according to claim17, wherein the first apparatus includes a computer and the secondapparatus includes a data output drive.
 20. A medium according to claim17, wherein the print instruction is included in video/audio data andinput to said printer during a reproduction process of the video/audiodata.
 21. A medium according to claim 20, wherein the video/audio dataand print data are output with a same data output drive.
 22. A mediumaccording to claim 17, wherein said controlling step executes printingif a first piece of the received data is a data switch signal.
 23. Amedium according to claim 17, wherein the data stored in the memorycorresponds to an ID and the print instruction includes the ID.
 24. Acomputer program product embodying a program for complementing a methodof operating a printer comprising: program code for an executing step,of executing printing based on received data and program code for acontrolling step, of controlling a memory to store received data and forexecuting printing, in response to a print instruction being input,based on the data stored in the memory; and program code for adiscriminating step, of discriminating whether the data is received froma first apparatus or a second apparatus, wherein said executing stepexecutes printing if it is discriminated in said discriminating stepthat the data is received from the first apparatus, and said controllingstep executes printing if it is discriminated in said discriminatingstep that the data is received from the second apparatus.
 25. A computerprogram product according to claim 24, wherein the data is received viaa bidirectional interface.
 26. A computer program product according toclaim 24, wherein the first apparatus includes a computer and the secondapparatus includes a data output drive.
 27. A computer program productaccording to claim 24, wherein the print instruction is included invideo/audio data and input to said printer during a reproduction processof the video/audio data.
 28. A computer program product according toclaim 27, wherein the video/audio data and print data are output with asame data output drive.
 29. A computer program product according toclaim 24, wherein program code for said controlling step executesprinting if a first piece of the received data is a data switch signal.30. A computer program product according to claim 24, wherein the datastored in the memory corresponds to an ID and the print instructionincludes the ID.
 31. A printer comprising: a first control unit, adaptedto store received print data in a first memory and to output the storedprint data from the first memory to a print engine; and a second controlunit adapted to store received print data in a second memory, and, inresponse to receipt of a print instruction, to search the second memoryfor a certain piece of the print data and to output the searched pieceprint data to the print engine, wherein said first and second controlunits are such as to be able to access the first and second memories,respectively, independently of each other.
 32. A printer according toclaims 31, wherein the print data stored in the second memory isretained there until new print data is received or until a forcibledelete instruction is received.